Why My Dog Sounds Congested When Sleeping?

Although most dogs will eventually start to sound like they are having difficulty sleeping, it is not as bad as snoring. But it can sometimes signal more serious issues. If your dog is sleeping, it might start to sound like they are breathing heavily. Something may be wrong with them, especially if it is your first time hearing these strange noises that your dog is emitting.

Although it is not unusual for dogs to produce a strange sound, it is usually caused by their sleeping position. The most common cause of this issue is when they are in an odd position. Other causes of congestion can include medications, allergies, and nasal obstruction.

This article aims to explain why dogs sound congested when sleeping and how you can help them. We will also explore when you should be concerned about it. Although it is generally considered normal for dogs to have these sounds, you still have to be careful as they can sometimes indicate a health issue.

Why do dogs sound congested when sleeping?

Some of the causes of the noises that your dog might make while sleeping can be related to its condition or behavior. However, these are just noises that happen to all dogs at some point in their lives. When your dog has congestion, it usually is not that serious. The treatment is simple, and it usually gets better in a couple of days.

However, if the sounds continue to worsen, something more serious may be happening to your pet. You might want to take your pet dog to the veterinarian. Although it can be a regular occurrence for your dog, it is not a good idea to assume that it is not a serious issue. This is why it is important to determine the cause of the dog’s congestion so that you can stop it from happening in the future.

Before you start worrying about your dog’s breathing problems, take a look at these most common causes of congestion.

Allergy causes congestion

Like people, dogs also get allergies. However, seasonal allergies are more common in them. This can cause their nose to get filled with inflammation. Dogs can get allergic reactions to various things, such as food, pollen, and the environment. There are various treatment options available for these conditions, but first, it is important to establish what kind of an allergic reaction is causing the issue.

The odd sleeping position that results in congested breathing

While sleeping in, dogs often take on strange positions, and they often produce loud noises when they do so. Similar to humans, they also tend to get very tired after a while. People who sleep in certain positions can also start snoring. If you detect that your dog is making strange sounds while sleeping, you should not worry too much because it is likely normal and probably nothing to worry about.

While resting, dogs can sometimes produce unusual sounds, which is not the usual position they usually take. But when a dog is sleeping on its back or neck in an odd position, its airways can become obstructed, sounding like a poorly-fitting garden hose. This condition will eventually resolve itself once the dog gets used to a more regular sleeping position.

However, if your dog is having trouble sleeping in its normal position, then it might be time to consider other causes of their congestion. If your dog has these sounds, it is important to investigate other possible reasons, such as a seizure. You can also take the animal to the veterinarian just to be on the safe side.

The dog might have colds that cause them to be congested.

Like people, dogs can also get sick from a cold. They can also have difficulty sleeping due to the congestion and runny nose. Similar to people, their colds can also produce a variety of sounds. The sounds that are often associated with a dog’s congestion can be very loud and can also trigger other symptoms such as fever and sneezing.

Your dog may have a cold if it has these symptoms and also has the congestion sounds. But it will likely get better within a couple of days. If your dog has fevers or other symptoms for more than a couple of days, it is essential to see a veterinarian to rule out possible medical issues.

If you are getting too tired of your dog’s strange sound, and you notice that its sleeping position is causing it to wake up, you can try moving its body to relieve the congestion. Doing so can help decrease the frequency of the sounds and allow the animal to get back to sleep.

The dog has a dental problem.

Dental issues can affect a dog’s health, and they can also cause them to produce a variety of sounds while they are sleeping or breathing. For instance, if a dog has a sore tooth, its breathing might become affected.

The obstruction caused by the tooth could also affect the dog’s airway. Just like people, your dog also needs to have its teeth checked because if your pet’s mouth is constantly making a lot of sounds, it is possible that its dental issue is causing the congestion.

Medications that can cause congested breathing

It is not peculiar for them to have congestion. But some medications can cause side effects in your dog. Medications can cause your dog to get tired and sleep poorly, which can make them sound like they are having a hard time breathing.

However, if your dog has these symptoms, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. They might get side effects from medication for congestion.

The dog might be overweight causes them to be congested.

If your dog has started to become overweight or obese, this can cause its breathing to become obstructed while it is sleeping. It can also lead to other issues such as noise levels during sleep. If your dog has started to gain weight, this can cause its breathing to become obstructed while it is sleeping. The excess weight can also cause its airway to become stretched.

You should also monitor the weight of your dog to ensure that it is getting the proper amount of exercise and nutrition. Like humans, dogs also need to retain a healthy diet. When it comes to keeping a dog’s weight in check, having too many treats and large meal sizes can cause them to gain weight quickly.

Read also: Do Dogs Ever Get Tired of Barking? – Find Out Why Here

Should I Worry If My Dog Sounds Congested When Sleeping?

Suddenly, while you are about to fall asleep, your dog begins to breathe heavily. Not only is it heavy, but it also sounds like it is having a hard time breathing, and you do not know what to think about it, especially since it is only your first time hearing it.

There are several justifications why your dog might have a hard time sleeping. One of these is that they are in a strange position while sleeping. This can be caused by varied factors such as allergies, medication, and dental issues.

Although it is only a minor issue that you should not be worried about, it is still important to consider taking them to a veterinarian to have them checked and avoid future health problems.

How To Help A Dog From Congestion While Sleeping?

Even though your dog’s nasal congestion is a common issue, there are some home remedies that can help relieve it. These are simple and cheap, and you do not need to spend a lot of money to try them.

One of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for your dog’s nasal congestion is Benadryl, which is an antihistamine that intercepts the activity of the histamine receptors in the dog. However, before you give Benadryl to your pet, make sure that it is safe for your dog and that it is appropriately administered.

Also, make sure that they are in the proper position while sleeping.

Wrapping Up

A dog that sounds like it is having a hard time sleeping is usually a normal occurrence, and it is not something that you have to worry about. But, if your dog’s congestion is getting worse, then it might be an alarming issue.

It is important to note that congestion can be an indication of more severe issues, so it is always a good thought to confer with your veterinarian before it gets worse.